Navigating South Korea’s “Unwritten” Societal Rules: Lessons from Our Unwritten Seoul

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Our Unwritten Seoul goes beyond the usual K-drama tropes, bringing into focus the socio-cultural issues in South Korean society. Unlike dramas that aim for a break from reality, this series faces hard and often taboo subjects head-on, including workplace bullying, gender dynamics in the workplace, and mental health. By closely showing real-world issues in society, the show starts a conversation with its gripping storyline amongst its fans. This meticulously created drama acts as a mirror, showing the trials and tribulations of modern South Korean life, and makes its viewers ponder on the prevalence of these issues and their impact.

The drama powerfully portrays Mi-rae, its protagonist, as she navigates the traumatic aftermath of an unwanted advance from her married team manager, subsequently enduring a torrent of malicious rumors and relentless bullying. This narrative arc is a stark and accurate reflection of a persistent and deeply rooted issue within workplaces, where power dynamics often enable such misconduct.

The show’s controversial depiction of a “false accusation” made against a male coworker further highlights a contentious cultural discussion surrounding the veracity of harassment claims and the significant backlash often faced by women who reluctantly report such incidents. This element underscores a pervasive culture of skepticism where accusers are frequently subjected to immense pressure, severe reputational damage, and even professional penalties.

The Korean Women’s Development Institute has extensively documented the immense courage required for victims to come forward, noting how deeply ingrained societal biases contribute to widespread underreporting and prolonged, arduous legal battles for justice. The series masterfully illustrates how these “unwritten rules” of society often silence victims and perpetuate cycles of abuse, making it a critical piece for understanding the nuances of workplace dynamics in South Korean society.

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Beyond the individual acts of harassment, Our Unwritten Seoul holds a mirror to the societal pressures it places on women through the contrasting lives of the twin sisters, Mi-ji and Mi-rae. Mi-ji often submits to traditional expectations, while Mi-rae resists them. This juxtaposition illustrates the culturally structured gender roles that impact societal expectations regarding achievement, marriage, and domestic life.

The 2024 South Korea Gender Equality Index, for instance, still indicates gaps in economic participation and political empowerment, capturing the concrete and often restrictive effects of these “unwritten rules” on women’s lives. The show also addresses the complicated issues of consent, particularly in hierarchical office settings and developing romantic relationships. In a culture that values harmony and deference, direct communication about boundaries can be difficult, making individuals vulnerable to miscommunication or abuse. This dynamic resonates with studies on communication styles in South Korea, where indirectness and respect for authority can complicate the straightforward articulation of individual boundaries.

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The show’s use of characters struggling with unresolved trauma, like Ho-su’s survivor’s guilt and Mi-rae’s pain, highlights the larger mental health crisis. The stigma surrounding mental illness often breaks down communication within families and communities, creating resistance to seeking help. The characters’ difficulties in opening up and trusting others with their concerns are a powerful parallel to this societal reality. The drama brings needed attention to this subject, which is slowly gaining traction in public discourse.

Recent governmental efforts to enhance access to mental health care and actively work towards decreasing stigma are evidence of a mounting, if gradual, acknowledgment of this vital social issue. By showcasing the emotional damage and “nightmare” scenarios faced by victims of workplace bullying, the show also connects the dots between social ills and their psychological impact, making a strong case for a more supportive and empathetic society.

Through its contentious plotlines and identifiable characters, Our Unwritten Seoul opens the door for discussions on sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and mental health. The drama not only mirrors current social norms but, in some instances, boldly opposes them, leading to a richer, more analytical exploration of the “unwritten” rules that quietly, yet deeply, govern everyday life. For all its made-up intrigue, the show has become a reflection of the real-life struggles and growing awareness of a nation grappling with its own unuttered truths.

Images via TVN. Reports cited: Korean Women’s Development Institute; South Korea: gender gap index 2024 – Statista. (2024); A New Agenda for Optimizing Roles and Infrastructure in a Mental … (2025). Negar Mohtashami Khojasteh Acting Researcher, Women’s Rights Division. (2025). South Korea Should End Workplace Harassment for All …